Potato Intercropping Research Articles

Characteristics of Flow Hydraulics and Soil Erosion in Maize and Potato Intercropping Systems

Characteristics of Flow Hydraulics and Soil Erosion in Maize and Potato Intercropping Systems

Optimization of Dry Land Through Intercropping of Coffee and Potatoes to Support Farmers’ Income

Coffee and potato intercropping is one of the ways to use land and increase farmers’ income. The objective is to increase land production and income of farmers on upland intercropping. The study was conducted at Gurgur Experimental station, Toba Samosir Regency from July to November 2019. The study used a randomized completed block design where the first factor was tuber size, where U1 = large tuber (size 91-120 g) and U2 = small tuber (size 61-90 g), and the second factor was fertilization, where P1 = control; P2 = control + Beauveria; P3 = control + solvent P; P4 = NPK; P5 = NPK + Beauveria; P6 = NPK + solvent P; P7 = NPK + Beauveria + solvent P with 4 replications. The recommendation for potatoes is a complete fertilizer application with the addition of Beauveria and P solvent, plant spacing of 80 x 30 cm, and manure to increase P availability. For coffee plants in the form of pruning, fertilization according to plant age, and application of dolomite and soil organic matter; profit increased by IDR. 102,459,124-, from coffee only IDR. 28,760,000, - to be IDR. 131,219,124, - on the intercropping of Coffee and Potatoes.

Effects of sweet potato intercropping in banana orchard on soil microbial population diversity

PurposeThis study was purposely designed to understand the effects of intercropping banana and sweet potato on soil microbial community. The research question addressed was what were the differences in population number, population diversity and dominant population of soil microorganisms between interplant bananas with sweet potatoes and banana monoculture.MethodsThe Illumina MiSeq high-throughput sequencing technology was used to detect and analyse the population composition and structure of soil microorganisms in banana field.ResultsThe results showed that from May to September, the number of soil bacterial population in intercropping sweet potato was 5.54-28.67% higher than that in monoculture, and the richness and diversity of the population were significantly or extremely significantly higher than that in monoculture. The number of dominant bacterial population was less than that in monoculture, and the relative abundance of non dominant population was 10.58 - 58.81% higher than that in monoculture. The number, abundance and diversity of soil fungal populations in intercropping were higher than those in monoculture.ConclusionsThe intercropping of banana and sweet potato has a significant effect on regulating the composition structure of soil microbial population and improving the abundance and diversity of microbial population. There has a great significance to improve the micro ecological environment of banana root soil and promote the stable and sustainable development of banana industry.

SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL PLANNING IN ORDER TO SUPPORT FOOD SECURITY (FOOD ESTATE) IN THE TIMANG GAJAH SUB-WATERSHED, BENER MERIAH REGENCY

Good watershed management is the rational use of natural resources in the watershed to obtain maximum production in unlimited time, minimize the danger of damage (land degradation), and obtain an even water yield throughout the year. Timang Gajah sub-watershed with an area of 35,859.26 ha is one of the sub-watersheds of the Krueng Peusangan watershed. According to the results of research by Akbar et al. (2020), the Timang Gajah sub-watershed is included in the sub-watershed that needs to be restored. Judging from the critical land area, the Timang Gajah sub-watershed consists of very critical 2,398.47 ha, critical 23,989.87 ha, moderately critical 6,402.59 ha, potentially critical 3,063.97 ha and not essential 4.36 ha (BPDASHL, 2020). This shows that the Timang Gajah sub-watershed needs serious handling in its management. The purpose of this study is to develop a plan for sustainable use of agricultural land in the Timing Gajah sub-watershed that can reduce the rate of erosion (erosion < ETol) a decent income for each farmer (income > KHL). The cropping pattern planned in this study is a cropping pattern that supports food security (Food Estate). The research method that will be used in this research is a survey method which consists: 1) the preparation stage, 2) the preliminary survey stage, 3) the main survey stage and 4) the data analysis stage and the presentation of the results. The results showed that the predictive value of erosion obtained on mixed garden land use (SPL 2, 5, 12, 13 and 18) ranged from 18.70 - 103.81 tons/ha/year, while the ETol value ranged from 14.97 - 33.27 tons/ha/year. The predictive value of erosion on plantation land use (SPL 15) is 56.36 tons/ha/year, and the ETol value is 28.42 tons/ha/year. Meanwhile, the predicted erosion value for scrubland use (SPL 8, 9, 10, 11, 16 and 17) ranged from 23.81 - 73.67 tons/ha/year and ETol values 14.01 - 27.72 tons/year. Ha/year. The recommended intercropping pattern at the research location, especially in mixed garden land use, is potato and corn (A1) plus other businesses (livestock), potato and soybean (A2) intercropping, potato and peanut intercropping. Green (A3), intercropping of potato with chilli (A4) and monoculture potato plus other livestock business (A5) generate net income above decent living income for local farmers (Rp 66.400.000 / household/year).

Evaluation & Development of Cultivation Techniques of Rainfed Maize + Sweet Potato Inter-Cropping under Indian North-Western Himalaya

Maize (Zea maize L.) is grown for human food, animal fodder, and chicken feed in India's Northwestern Himalayan Region (NWHR), which covers over 0.33 million hectares of cultivated land. In the NWHR of India, substantial soil erosion is a major challenge in maize production, resulting in low rainfed maize productivity. During the peak rainy season in NWHR, a single maize crop can only cover up to 30% of the land, leaving more bare soil vulnerable to soil erosion. Furthermore, sole maize growing only generates roughly Rs. 30,000-40,000 in net income per hectare field, making maize farming less profitable for farmers. Using a randomized block design with four replications, a field experiment was conducted with five treatments: maize-wheat (control), maize + sweet potato-wheat, maize + colocasia-wheat, maize + ginger, and maize + turmeric to conserve soil and water, increase crop productivity, and farmers profit by introducing soil conserving and high-value crops with rainfed maize cultivation. The authors discussed the developed scientific rainfed maize + sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas [L.] Lam) intercropping technique in NWHR, which had not before been devised for this region. From 8.7 t ha-1 soil loss of sole maize, maize + sweet potato intercropping can minimize it to 1.5 t ha-1 and increase maize grain yield to 3.5 t ha-1 from 3.1 t ha-1. In addition to higher maize production, the system also produced 5.0-7.0 t ha-1 of fresh sweet potato tubers. Thus, intercropping of maize + sweet potato under NWHR can reduce soil erosion while also enhance maize yield and farmers' profit in rainfed conditions.

Effects of Crop Geometry and Nutrient Management On Nutrient Uptake and Quality Parameters of Potato Under Winter Maize + Potato Intercropping System

Effects of crop geometry and nutrient management on nutrient uptake and quality parameters of potato under winter maize + potato intercropping system were studied during two consecutive years (2015-2016 and 2016-17) at BHU, Varanasi, India. Results revealed that under different crop geometry the nutrient uptake (NPK kg/ha) were obtained significantly higher with 1 : 2 row ratio in additive series as compared to other row ratio due to maximum plant population. The minimum nutrient uptake (NPK kg/ha) were obtained with 1:1 row ratio in replacement series. However, quality parameters (protein and starch) did not vary significantly by different crop geometry during both the years of investigation. Amongst nutrient management, the highest nutrient uptake (NPK kg/ha) and quality parameters (protein and starch) were obtained significantly with the application of 100% RDF + 25% N through poultry manure followed by the application of 100% RDF + 25% N through vermicompost. Thus, the results suggest that 1:2 row ratio (crop geometry) in additive series with 100% RDF + 25% N through poultry manure (nutrient management) followed by 100% RDF + 25 % N through vermicompost were feasible and practicable during both the years of investigations. Bangladesh J. Bot. 50(4): 1011-1019, 2021 (December)

Intercropping of potato within sugarcane plants in a double row planting system under wet climate

Growing sugarcane in a double row planting system is one way to increase the productivity and sugar cane yield. Intercropping within sugarcane crops can increase the growth and productivity of sugarcane. This study aims to increase the productivity of sugarcane by adding value to potato cropping. The study used Randomized Block Design, where the treatments ae as follows: sugar cane as a planting system (A), double castor planting system (PtoP 210/50 cm) with cuttings of sugarcane stem + potato’s (B); double distance planting system (PtoP 185/50 cm) with cuttings stem sugarcane + potato’s (C); double distance planting system (PtoP 160/50 cm) with cuttings sugarcane stem + potato’s (D); double distance wedge system (PtoP 135/50 cm) with cuttings of sugarcane stem + potato. The planting system (PtoP 110/50 cm) with cuttings of sugarcane stem without planting potato was considered as control (E). All planting systems were repeated four times. The results of the study showed that the agronomic growth of sugar cane crops in some planting systems is not different, but in C and D planting systems, the number of leaves and the number of tillers were higher compared to others. Potatoes crop production in planting systems C reached 11,880 tons ha-1, which is higher than the production of planting systems A (8,640 tons ha-1.) and planting systems B (8,400 tons ha-1). After combining the determining factors of sugar cane production, the C planting systems is recommended for development of sugarcane crops because is better than other planting systems. The population of sugar cane plants in the C planting systems reached 18,000 clumps of plants per hectare

Cropping geometry and nutrient management study on winter maize (Zea mays) + potato (Solanum tuberosum) intercropping

Field experiment was conducted during rabi during 2015-16 and 2016-17 at Varanasi (UP) to study the effect of cropping geometry and nutrient management on winter maize (Zea mays L.) + potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) intercropping. Among the crop geometry, winter maize intercropped with potato (1:1) in replacement series showed significantly higher growth parameters of maize, viz. dry matter accumulation, crop growth rate and number of green leaves per plant as compared to additive series but it was found at par when winter maize grown with potato (1:2) in replacement series. However, growth parameters of potato differed interchangeably as compared to maize in winter maize + potato intercropping system during both the years. Significantly higher grain yield of winter maize and potato were found in intercropping with 1:1 and 1:2 in additive series, respectively. Assessment of intercropping indices and economics of maize and potato proved to be better in additive series as compared to replacement series during both the years of experimentation. Amongst nutrient management, growth parameters, yield attributes and yield, intercropping indices and economics of winter maize + potato were recorded significantly higher with the application of 100% RDF + 25% N through poultry manure followed by the application of 100% RDF + 25% N through vermicompost as compared to rest of the treatments during both the years. Thus, it may be concluded that the maize + potato intercropping in additive series with integration of poultry manure as N source gives better yield and economics of both the crops.

Soil Nutrient Supply in Cultivated Bush Bean–Potato Intercropping Grown in Subarctic Soil Managed with Agroforestry

To address food insecurity in northern Canada, some isolated communities started gardening initiatives to reduce dependencies on expensive foods flown in to communities. From 2012–2014, soils in northern Ontario James Bay lowlands were cultivated with bush beans and potatoes, grown in sole and intercropping configurations, in an open field and an agroforestry system enclosed by willow trees. The objective of this study was to compare the supply rates of 15 plant-available nutrients in these soils using in situ ion exchange membranes. After three years of cultivation, the agroforestry site had significantly greater supply of PO4, Ca, and Zn and these nutrients had positive correlations with yield. By contrast, the open site had significantly greater supply of Mg, SO4, and B; these nutrients, and Al, had negative correlations with yield. Whilst there were no differences between sole and intercropping configurations, significantly greater supply of NO3, Ca, Cu, Fe, and Zn occurred early in the growing season, compared to significantly greater supply of K, SO4, B, and Al later in the season. Significantly greater yields have been harvested in the agroforestry site and it is suspected that the presence of a willow shelterbelt improves the microclimate and plant-available PO4, Ca, and Zn.

Nitrogen levels regulate intercropping-related mitigation of potential nitrate leaching

Intercropping improves yield and is broadly adopted worldwide; however, the risk and regulatory mechanism of nitrate leaching in intercropping compared with monocropping remain elusive. A fixed plot field experiment was conducted with three cropping patterns (maize monocropping, potato monocropping, and maize–potato intercropping) under four (nitrogen) N levels in Kunming, China during 2014–2017. Based on crop N uptake and soil nitrate transformation, the underlying mechanism of potential nitrate-N (NO3−-N) leaching (NO3−-N accumulation below the root layer) and N regulation was explored under intercropping and monocropping. The results showed that the area-scaled potential NO3−-N leaching under intercropping was mitigated by 3.4–37.4%, with a mean of 15.8% relative to the weighted mean of maize- and potato-monocropping. Intercropping-related mitigation of potential NO3−-N leaching was enhanced with increasing N level. Intercropping increased the ammonia-oxidizing archaea population and soil nitrification potential but had no significant impact on the abundance of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria and narG. Redundancy analysis and structural equation modeling indicated that soil water played a crucial role in regulating the intercropping-related mitigation of potential NO3−-N leaching, while the improvement in N uptake by intercropped maize reduced the potential NO3−-N leaching at low and medium N levels. The results highlight the intercropping advantage over monocropping in mitigating the risk of NO3−-N leaching. This study provides insights into the environmental impacts of diversified cropping systems and regulating mechanisms.

Economic assessment of maize (Zea mays L.) – Spinach (Basella alba L.) intercropping system for improving the livelihood of smallholders’ in South-Asia

Economic assessment of maize (Zea mays L.) – Spinach (Basella alba L.) intercropping system for improving the livelihood of smallholders’ in South-Asia

INFLUENCE OF MIXED CROPPING OF CABBAGE AND MUSTARD ON WEED DYNAMICS AND YIELD OF POTATO (SOLANUM TUBEROSUM)

A field experiment was conducted in Horticulture farm of Agriculture and Forestry University, Chitwan, Nepal during September 2018 to January 2019 to evaluate the influence of mixed cropping of cabbage and mustard in weed dynamics and yield of potato. The experiment was carried out in a split-plot design with three replications. The treatment consists of with mustard (M1) and without mustard (M2) as main plot factor and eight treatments namely, sole potato at 0.7m (T1) and 1.4m (T5) inter-row spacing, sole cabbage at 0.35m (T2) and 0.7m (T3) inter-row spacing, potato at 1.4 m row spacing with one (T4), two (T7) and three (T8) row cabbage, and potato at 0.7m row spacing with one-row cabbage (T6), as subplot factor. Effect of broadcasting mustard was found significant in the dry weight of broadleaf weed, the height of cabbage and potato, cabbage canopy, and net production of potato. Net production was calculated by converting the yield of all the three crops in the monetary value of potato. Similarly, the effect of different intercropping of cabbage and potato was found significant on cabbage and potato height, cabbage canopy, dry weight of weed, the yield of cabbage and potato, and net production of potato. The interaction of main plot factors and sub-plot factors was found statistically significant; mustard broadcasting on intercropping of 35cm cabbage within 70cm row to row spacing of potato (M1×T6) was found superior in terms of yield of all the three crops and net production of potato. Similarly, (M1×T6) had a lower dry weight of broadleaf; Solanum nigrum and Chenopodium album were major weeds—both being a broadleaf weed. Thus, it would be better to suggest vegetable growing farmers, to follow mixed cropping of cabbage, mustard and potato for higher return and sustainable ecological weed management.

Studies on Intercropping Systems of Garlic and Green Onion to Potatoes and impact that on Growth, Yield, and Resistance Late Blight Disease

The study assessed the effect of intercropping Patterns on the performance of potato plants, i.e., vegetative growth, tuber quality and yield as well as potato late blight,Phytophthorainfestansdisease epidemiology. Trials were carried out under a greenhouse and open field in Moshtohor and Kaha, Qalyubia Governorate, Egypt, respectively during three successive winter seasons of 2016/2017, 2017/2018 and 20178/2019. Potatowas intercropped with garlic or onion at the ratios of 1:1; 2:1 and 3:1 plant population. These treatments were compared with fungicide (Radomil gold) foliar spray and unsprayed monoculture potato plant with respect to disease development and potato tuber yield and quality. The results prevailed that, all potato-garlic ratios exhibited superior performance when compared to the fungicide unsprayed treatment. Among the proportions, 1 potato with 1 garlic intercropped plots showed significantly low disease development and high tuber yield. Moreover, at 1:1 combination of garlic (or onion) to potato, the land equivalent ratio (LER) was greater than 1 and the monetary values were high at both testing sites. The study also demonstrated that fungicide treatment provided significant low disease development and higher potato tuber yield when compared to the untreated monoculture control treatment. The findings of this study suggested garlic as a potential intercropping plant for the management of potato late blight disease under Egyptian condition. In winter growing season, the extracts of garlic or onion plants reduced the disease severity of late blight. The effect of competition among the two different Allium species in potato intercropping and the economic viability of intercropping potato with garlic or onion compared to its sole cropping were studied under natural late blight infestation. Generally, the present study concludes that intercropping of potato with garlic and onion may affect yield and disease resistance, competition between the 2 species (Solanumtuberosum and Allium spp.), and economics of mixtures as compared to monoculture of the same species. Although Allium crops had lower yield in mixture but are more expensive in markets, solitary planting of them would not reach the profitable level gained with potato under our trials condition

Intercropping in Sugarcane Improves Functional Diversity, Soil Quality and Crop Productivity

Intercropping of mustard or potato in sugarcane in relation to traditional non-intercropping rotation on microbial diversity, soil quality and crop productivity was assessed in a 3-year cropping system trial. The systems consisted of sugarcane + mustard–ratoon–cowpea (SmRC), sugarcane + potato–ratoon–wheat (SpRW) and a standard sugarcane–ratoon–wheat (SRW) rotation. The SpRW system recorded a significantly higher cane equivalent yield (120.4 t ha−1) than SmRC (109.4 t ha−1) and SRW (92.6 t ha−1), which was 10.1% and 30.0% greater, respectively. However, the highest microbial activities (microbial counts, microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen and basal soil respiration), soil enzymes, total carbon (TC) and nitrogen (TN), available N, Zn, Cu, Fe and cation exchange capacity (CEC) were recorded for SmRC system. The available K and S content were greater in SRW, while the highest average substrate oxidation rate was recorded in SmRC (0.00291 OD h−1), which was 14.1% and 7.58% more than that of SpRW and SRW systems, respectively. Moreover, SmRC significantly increased functional diversity indices and soil quality index. Total N, soil organic carbon, available P and S were identified as the key soil quality indicators, contributing 31.8, 30.9, 12.9 and 10.8% toward quality development, respectively. The highest functional diversity indices of microbial community, soil quality and crop productivity under intercropping are the result of greater SOC, TC, TN, microbial and enzymatic activities. In conclusion, intercropping of mustard or potato in sugarcane could be the way to increase crop productivity in limited land resources in subtropical areas of India.

EFFECT OF POPULATION DENSITY OF SWEET POTATO ON THE YIELD OF MAIZE-SWEET POTATO INTERCROP FOR WEEDS SUPPRESSION IN SOUTHERN GUINEA SAVANNAH NIGERIA

ABSTRACT Maize–sweet potato intercropping often results in weed suppression and increased crop productivity. This study was designed to determine the appropriate planting time and optimal density of sweet potato in a maize-sweet potato intercropping system that will minimize weed infestation and improve yield of the component crops in a drought-prone southern Guinea savanna of Nigeria. The experiment was laid as a randomized complete block design with a split-plot arrangement and 3 replications in 2018 and 2019 growing seasons. The main plots were planting time (May, June and July) while the sub-plots consisted of 3 maize-sweet potato intercropping populations(maize at 53,333 plants/ha + 33,333 plants/ha of sweet potato, maize at 53,333 plants/ha + 66,666 plants/ha of sweet potato and maize at 53,333 plants/ha +99,999plants/ha of sweet potato), sole maize at 53,333 plants/ha and sole sweet potato at 33,333 plants/ha. The results revealed that, 7 weed species were the most prevalent and there was inconsistent effect of planting date on weed flushes while weed smothering efficiency of intercropping was between 31 to 49 % and 48 to 73% for weed density and weed biomass, respectively. Intercropping resulted in land equivalent ratios (LER) of 1.29 to 1.74 while the competitive ability of maize was increased with an increase in sweet potato density. Planting in the month of June had significantly higher tuber yield of 9.56 t/ha of sweet potato and maize grain yield of 3.28 t/ha while intercropping 33,333 plants/ha of sweet potato (1 vine of sweet potato planted at 0.40m apart on the ridge and 0.75m between ridges) and maize at 53,333 plants/ha (0.25m x 0.75m) gave an intercrop yield of 7.32 t/ha tubers and 3.46 t/ha grain yield with highest LER of 1.74, a net profit of ₦566,435.00 and benefit cost ratio of 1.44 was relatively similar to sole sweet potato. Therefore, the above intercropping pattern established in the month of June will minimize weed infestation and improve productivity of maize and sweet potato in the southern Guinea savanna of Nigeria.

Synergistic effects of vegetation layers of maize and potato intercropping on soil erosion on sloping land in Yunnan Province, China

Intercropping, as an overyielding system, can decrease soil erosion on sloping land through the presence of dense canopy covers. However, the structure mechanism in canopy is still unclear. We conducted a two-year field experiment on runoff plots, exploring whether the interaction between vegetation layers reduce soil erosion in maize and potato intercropping systems. The maize, potato, and weed layers in the intercropping system were removed by a single layer, two layers and three layers, respectively (total of 8 treatments including all layers removed as the control). Then, throughfall, runoff and sediment were measured at the plot and row scale on a weekly basis. Based on the difference between each treatment and the control, we calculated and found a relative reduction of runoff and sediment by any combination of the two vegetation layers greater than the sum of each single layer. In 2016 and 2017, the highest relative reduction of runoff reached 15.65% and 46.73%, respectively. Sediment loss decreased by 33.96% and 42.77%, respectively. Moreover, runoff and sediment reduced by the combination of all vegetation layers (no layers removed) was also larger than the sum of that by each single layer. In 2016 and 2017, the highest relative reduction of runoff reached 7.32% and 3.48%, respectively. So, there were synergistic effects among multi-level (two or three layers) vegetation layers in terms of decreasing soil erosion on sloping land. Maize redistributes more throughfall at the maize intra-specific row and the maize and potato inter-specific, which is favorable for the synergistic effect of reducing soil erosion. This finding shows an important mechanism of maize and potato intercropping for soil and water conservation, and may promote the application of diverse cropping systems for sustainable agriculture in mountainous areas.

Potato/Maize intercropping reduces infestation of potato tuber moth, Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) by the enhancement of natural enemies

The potato tuber moth (PTM), Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller), is one of the most economically significant insect pests for potato in both field and storage worldwide. To evaluate the infestation, reduction of potato yield and the control efficacy for PTM, field tests were conducted in two seasons by intercropping of potato as the host plant with maize as a non-host plant of PTM. Three intercropping patterns were tested, which were 2 rows of potatoes with either 2, 3, or 4 rows of maize (abbreviated 2P:2M, 2P:3M, and 2P:4M), and the monocropped potato as the control, 2 rows of potatoes, without maize, (abbreviated 2P:0M). Results showed that the population and infestation of PTM in the 2P:3M intercropping pattern was significantly lower than those in 2P:2M, 2P:4M and the monocropping pattern of 2P:0M, due to the enhancement of natural enemies. Cumulative mines and tunneling in potato leaves in 2P:3M intercropping were significantly lower than those in 2P:2M and 2P:4M patterns. The population of parasitoids and the parasitism rate of PTM in intercropping pattern of 2P:3M were significantly higher than that in intercropping pattern of 2P:2M, 2P:4M and monocropping pattern of 2P:0M. We conclude that the potato intercropped with maize reduced the adult and larva populations, and reduced the damage from PTM by enhancing the number of parasitoids and the level of parasitism. The greatest population density of parasitoids and parasitism rate were in the intercropping pattern of 2 rows of potatoes with 3 rows of maize. These data indicate that the host/non-host intercropping patterns can be used as a biological control tactic against PTM by enhancing the density of natural enemies in the agro-ecosystems.

Microbial biodiversity as related to crop succession and potato intercropping for management of brown rot disease

Potato brown rot, caused by Ralstonia solanacearum, ranked globally as the second most important bacterial plant pathogen. In the present study, the influence of different cropping programs in potato brown rot management was investigated in four infected fields in Egypt. Two districts were selected as sandy soils in Giza (Wardan) and Behera (Ganuob El-Tahrir) governorates. The other two were selected as silty clay in Minufyia (Talia) and Beni-Suef (Sids) governorates. The followed crop succession included corn, potato intercropped with cabbage, onion, cowpea, wheat, corn again, and ended by potato. The pathogen was undetectable after corn, onion, and wheat. It decreased in cowpea and cabbage rhizospheres in the clay soils. The pathogen was undetectable at all districts, except at Sids, where the pathogen was significantly decreased but was not eradicated. This was possibly attributed to the high ratio of NO3− and Na+ at this district. Decreased R. solanacearum density after corn coincided with the high ratio of fluorescent pseudomonads, endospores, and actinomycetes, being most clear in the poor soils (Wardan) and less clear under iron excess at Ganoub El-Tahrir as well as the clay soils. Corn rhizosphere supported an array of antagonistic actinomycetes such as strains similar to Streptomyces intermedius, Streptomyces albidoflavus group, Streptomyces argenteolus group, and Streptomyces erythrogriseus. Intercropping potato with cabbage decreased the density of the pathogen in rhizosphere, which is associated with greater antagonistic fluorescent pseudomonads, Bacillus spp. and Serratia spp. Onion soil and rhizosphere associated with abundance of antagonists and fluorescent pseudomonads, followed by S. maltophilia and Bacillus spp. Wheat soil and rhizosphere supported fluorescent pseudomonads and antagonistic Streptomyces spp., especially in sandy soils. The pathogen was undetectable after planting the ending potato in the three districts, Wardan, Ganoub El-Tahrir, and Talia. This was accompanied by a general oligotrophism and increased ratio of fluorescent pseudomonads, endospores bacteria, and actinomycetes along with a diversity of R. solanacearum antagonists such as S. maltophilia, Citrobacter freundii, Acinetobacter sp., Delftia sp., and Serratia marcescens.

Influence of planting distance and density on the yield and photosynthetic traits of sweet potato (Ipomoea balatas L.) under an intercropping system with walnut (Juglans regia) saplings

Sweet potato is a high-yield food crop with strong adaptation and is widely cultivated in southwestern China. Adjusting crop planting distance and planting density to improve the yield and productivity of intercropping systems has become an important management practice around the globe. However, little is known about the response of the sweet potato yield and photosynthetic characteristics to intercropping with walnut saplings. Field experiments were conducted in a split-plot arrangement, e.g., three plant densities (Dl, low, 4 plants/m2; Dm, moderate, 8 plants/m2; and Dh, high, 12 plants/m2) were randomly assigned (subplot) to three planting distances (P1, 0.25 n; P2, 0.5 n; and P3, n) (main plot). The results showed that with increasing plant distance, the yield of high-density sweet potatoes decreased significantly (P < 0.05). However, the highest sweet potato fresh root tuber yield (FRTY) appeared in the combination of P1Dh (plant distance: 0.25 n; plant density: 12 plants m2). Our data further suggested that under the planting distance of P1 (0.25 n) or P2 (0.5 n), soil moisture content increased significantly (approximately 3%) with planting density (P < 0.05). The net photosynthetic rate (Pn) of sweet potatoes was significantly improved in cases of high sweet potato density and a short distance between sweet potatoes and walnut saplings, which ultimately increased yield. For the walnut saplings and sweet potatoes, a more compact planting distance was associated with higher values of Pn, Tr and Gs. Based on yield performance, photosynthetic traits and walnut sapling growth, the combination of 12 plants/m2 and P1 is the optimal scheme for walnut/sweet potato intercropping systems.

Value chain analysis of different types of maize hybrid seed: a comparative study of public and private sector in Bihar

In the Samastipur district of Bihar, one of the top five maize-producing states in India, a study was conducted in 2017–18 to map the value chain of public and private seed systems and estimate the value addition at each successive stage of seed movement. Statistically significant differences were found in gross income, net income, and benefit–cost ratio of maize seed production of single-cross hybrid (SCH) and double-cross hybrid (DCH) with potato intercropping system. Enabling infrastructure and a policy environment, and innovating public–private partnership models across the seed value chain, is necessary for overall sectoral growth.